Running Locations
Choi Clarke
I don’t consider myself an expert in running but rather a passionate running enthusiast. I’m an expert in having fun and I run sometimes! I believe in staying healthy through a combination of regular exercise, wholesome relationships and a vegetarian diet. Running has brought many RUNderful people into my life since I started running in 2010. I’m blessed to have found life-long friends through my favorite running store, RUNdetroit, and through various running groups.
My favorite thing about running in Southeast Michigan is the four seasons and having a variety of cool running locations to choose from any day of the week!
1
Detroit RiverWalk
Detroit RiverWalk - Detroit, MI USA
Beautiful views of the Detroit shoreline, bridges, Canada, Belle Isle, with public restrooms and great options for a delicious post-run meal.
2
Dequindre Cut Greenway
Dequindre Cut Greenway - Detroit, MI USA
Share a new, smooth path with walkers and bikers and appreciate the sounds and feel of a nature trail through an urban setting—an old railroad converted into a fitness path! This gem cuts through Detroit and gets you from the Eastern Market to the Riverfront in a couple of miles. Take a "runfie" with some terrific graffiti art along the way!
3
Belle Isle
Belle Isle - Detroit, MI USA
Enjoy breathtaking views of Detroit's most beautiful landmarks: the Ambassador Bridge, MacArthur Bridge and Canada while running with very little traffic. One loop of the island is about 5.5 miles. Best times to run are at sunrise and sunset!
4
Paint Creek Trail
Paint Creek Trail - Rochester Hills, MI USA
Enjoy a flat 8.9-mile trail linear park in northeast Oakland County. The course of the park generally follows Paint Creek, a stream that flows southeast towards the Clinton River. The path is partly paved and is also light gravel- great for an out and back run or a long run. It offers tree cover for shade in the warmer months. My favorite time to run this trail is in the fall when the leaves are changing – it’s stunning.
5
Gallup Park
Gallup Park - Fuller Road, Ann Arbor MI
This is a 69-acre park and is Ann Arbor’s most popular recreation area. It is located along the Huron River and Geddes Pond with scenic walkways that traverse small islands with pedestrian bridges. There are three miles of asphalt trails for running that are very popular with two drinking fountains and plenty of nice scenery.
6
Kensington Metropark
Kensington Metropark - Huron River Parkway, Milford MI
Kensington’s 4,486 sprawling acres of wooded, hilly terrain surrounds beautiful Kent Lake and is home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl. Sunrise and sunset runs are very enjoyable and running paths provide some nice rolling hills. I love running the 8.5 mile loop around Kent Lake with friends!
7
Lower Huron Metropark
Lower Huron Metropark - E Huron River Dr, Belleville MI
With the natural beauty of Lower Huron Metropark’s 1,256 acres of mature woodlands, grassy meadows and the scenic Huron River, run the lovely paths during any season of Michigan for an enjoyable experience.
8
Potawatomi Trail
Potawatomi Trail - Pinckney, MI USA
Enjoy a peaceful trail run with very little traffic. You will find hikers in the summer months and a few mountain bikers, but this challenging loop offers a great workout. In the summer, go jump in the lake post-run for a refreshing cool off and ice bath for your legs! Beware of hunting season and follow appropriate procedures.
